Why replicate?
Point 8 of 28 — Lesson 2: DNA Structure, Replication and DNA Repair EnzymesQuestion bank: 4 questions (4 with pictures)
08 Why replicate?
- Before a cell divides, its DNA must be copied (replicated) so that each daughter cell receives a complete set of the genetic information.
- Watson and Crick pointed out that the structure itself provides the method.
- Because the two strands are complementary, the base sequence of each strand automatically specifies its partner.
- For example, if one strand runs 5′‑A‑A‑T‑C‑C‑3′, the partner must be 3′‑T‑T‑A‑G‑G‑5′.
- If the two strands are separated, each can act as a template (mould) for a new complementary strand.
- Experiments later proved this.
- Each new DNA molecule thus contains one old strand and one new strand (semi-conservative replication).
📝 Question bank for this point
4 questions linked to this point only, 4 of them with pictures.